What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is used here at Marylebone Physiotherapy to compliment physiotherapy techniques. It can help aid recovery in lots of different ways:
- · Musculo-skeletal pain management
- · Increases circulation
- · Inflammatory control and healing enhancement
- · Relaxation
The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) view is that acupuncture helps balance the energy or ‘Qi’ in the body to maintain body balance and health. If the Qi cannot flow freely then this can lead to ill health. The acupuncture points are set along these energy channels or meridians in the body which relate to specific organs. According to this ancient method each point has its own individual effect on the body.
- The 12 Meridians
In non TCM practise there is a growing evidence base for the use of acupuncture on a more scientific basis, with the effects of needling relating to physiological processes in the body and therefore having a justification along the more medical model of treatment.
Needling can be used to help pain by inhibiting the pain signals going to the brain, and also helping the body release its own natural painkillers such as endorphins and serotonin. The needling effect increases circulation which promotes healing as well as triggering the body to release the chemicals needed for healing. Our clinicians also use a technique known as dry needling to help release myofascial trigger points. These are tight bands in the muscle which can be very painful, and needling directly in to these points help to release the tension and pain and serve as a very useful adjunct to soft tissue release techniques used in physiotherapy practise.
- Acupuncture needles
When receiving acupuncture or dry needling your clinician should obtain your consent after informing you about the procedure and effects, and also screening your medical history and presentation to ensure it is appropriate for you and your condition. Ask as many questions as you wish – some people are nervous receiving needling and it is important you are comfortable, relaxed and happy about the reasons for its use.
At Marylebone Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine, the physiotherapists aren’t the only ones practising acupuncture – Ayano Izuta is highly trained in Acupuncture and uses it in conjunction with her holistic approach as a Naturopath.
© 2010